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What Is the Function of Amino Acids in the Human Body? Image Credit: asab974/iStock/GettyImages Amino acids build proteins, and proteins are life-sustaining macronutrients. Yet simply calling amino acids the building blocks of protein doesn’t do justice to their value. While some amino acids only make proteins, others fill a variety of roles, from supporting metabolism to protecting your heart. Your body can also use amino acids for energy when you lack carbs and fats....

Old-school chest expanders still have a place in today's fitness world. Image Credit: Sporran/iStock/Getty Images It doesn’t get much more old school than the spring chest expander. Way back in the late 1800s, Eugen Sandow — the first bodybuilding showman to emphasize showing off his physique rather than his lifting strength — popularized this simple, iconic resistance workout. Advertisement Better known as "strand pulling," working out with resistance bands — which commonly come as rubber tubes rather than metal springs nowadays — offers a variety of band-only exercises, as well numerous ways to intensify existing techniques as an accessory....

A blood clot in the arm often causes painful cramping in the area. Image Credit: Anut21ng/iStock/GettyImages When blood vessels, which carry blood throughout your body, get injured, clots form to stop the bleeding. As you heal, your body should absorb the clots and they should dissolve. Sometimes, however, these clots remain and restrict the flow of blood behind them. Advertisement A clot that forms in a major vein is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)....

Walnuts have more omega-3 than any other nut. Nuts are not only tasty; they provide numerous health benefits as well. According to a May 2009 report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, nuts contain fatty acids that help lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and control diabetes. The key beneficial fatty acid is omega-3. There are several nuts that have a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, and adding a daily handful to your diet can deliver health benefits....

Why Do Protein Shakes Give Me Diarrhea? Image Credit: itakdalee/iStock/GettyImages Protein shakes are supposed to help you build muscle, recover faster and perform better. For some people, though, downing a protein shake after a workout spells trouble. That gurgly feeling you get in your stomach after you drink the last sip can have you running for the bathroom, which is not a fun way to relax after a tough exercise session....

Pregnant people and people with certain gastrointestinal conditions may require a higher recommended amount of Vitamin B-50. Image Credit: kali9/iStock/GettyImages Vitamin B50 is a complex vitamin. It contains many B vitamins, but may also contain other vitamins, minerals and nutrients. A high-dose supplement, it typically offers far more than the recommended dietary allowance. Normally used to prevent or treat nutrient deficiencies, vitamin B50 may be recommended for pregnant people or for people with certain medical conditions....

Hearing your shoulder snap, crackle, pop during your workout can be unnerving. Image Credit: twinsterphoto/iStock/GettyImages Do you ever notice your shoulder clicking, cracking, popping or grinding during your workouts? If so, you’re experiencing crepitus. This strange-sounding word refers to a condition that encompasses any abnormal noise a joint makes during movement. It might be loud or faint, chronic or temporary, painful or pain-free. Advertisement But no matter the specifics, it's worth knowing what causes your shoulder to crack and pop during workouts....

Walking can help you lose weight. Image Credit: Aaron Hawkins/E+/GettyImages The health benefits of walking are well-known, and it is an exercise that is easy to get started. However, many people are unsure how far and how long to walk. Walking 8 miles a day is a great form of exercise that can help you burn calories. Advertisement Tip When combined with proper nutrition, walking 8 miles a day can help you lose weight....

Straight wrists are important to good bench press form. Image Credit: Motortion/iStock/Getty Images You better have strong pecs and a spotter when lifting a heavy barbell on the bench press. But, don’t forget about the smaller links in the kinetic chain. Your wrists are an important joint in the process, as they are the first line of defense against that heavy bar crashing down onto your torso. Advertisement Even if your wrists can bear the weight, they may get extremely sore if you bend them back against the weight of the bar as you press up and down....

Lifting weights at home will help you get leaner and more defined. Image Credit: SrdjanPav/E+/GettyImages Lifting weights is an effective way for women to build lean muscle, lose weight, get stronger and improve endurance. For many, though, heading to a gym to lift weights isn’t an option, either due to a busy schedule, work and family responsibilities or even a lack of confidence in the weight room. Advertisement The solution: Weight training at home, which is convenient and allows you to progress at a pace you feel comfortable at and in an environment where you feel confident....

To help trim side and back fat, one must make healthier food choices. Image Credit: B. Sporrer/J. Skowronek/StockFood Creative/Getty Images You carry a spare tire in your car in case of an emergency, but you don’t need the one encircling your torso. This layer of fat that sits around your waist, back and sides, is likely visceral fat – which is a metabolically active form of fat that greatly raises your risk of developing certain diseases....

Cooking your soup bones before boiling them will enhance the flavor of your soup. Image Credit: VICUSCHKA/Moment/GettyImages Cooked or raw soup bones can enhance the flavor of any of your soups. Plus, making soup with soup bones is an excellent way to save money and utilizes all parts of your meat. Advertisement Once you've carved off most of the meat from your turkey, lamb, chicken or ham, save the bones to make a hearty soup with fresh vegetables and broth....

1 of 16 Overview We've all heard the quote: "By failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail." This especially rings true when it comes to diet. When we don't give thought to what we're going to eat during the day, we're left with what is convenient or close in proximity come mealtime. And the end result? We're likely to overspend and overeat while not getting any quality nutrition. Here are the top weight-loss meal-prep tips and secrets from the pros to help you reach your goals....

Pan-fried thick pork chops make for a juicy, filling meal you can cook up in minutes. Image Credit: EasyBuy4u/E+/GettyImages Pan-fried thick pork chops make for a juicy, filling meal you can cook up in minutes. Thick cuts require a bit more care and attention so you don’t scorch the outside and dry out the meat near the surface before the pork safely cooks through all the way. Advertisement Although you need to be continuously involved, it's not a difficult way to make pork chop recipes, and certainly one even novice home cooks can get the hang of after a few times....

A derailleur on the back wheel of a bike. Image Credit: ntdanai/iStock/Getty Images 18 speeds is a common drivetrain configuration for modern bicycles, with options for a double chainring paired with a 9-gear cassette or a triple chainring with a 6-gear cassette. Understanding how to use different gear ratios to ascend hills, quickly accelerate and keep your muscles moving at a good cadence is a great way to master your bicycle....

There are several factors that determine how much salt you should consume. Image Credit: Suwannar Kawila / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Salt might make your food taste better, but is it worth the health risks? In the context of a healthy diet, 400 milligrams of sodium is typically not a concern. However, it is implicated as a factor in hypertension, too much sodium in your diet contributes to unnecessary health risks. Advertisement Tip Whether or not 400 milligrams of sodium is "bad for you" depends on your daily intake of this nutrient....

There are some downsides to sparkling water. Image Credit: Karaidel/iStock/GettyImages If you prefer your water sparkling to still, you’re not alone. Its popularity in the beverage industry continues to rise. But the real question remains — is carbonated water bad for you? Advertisement Well, the truth is there are some downsides to sparkling water. Some studies have found it to be damaging to the stomach. Others mention the gastric effects carbon dioxide can cause....

Generally, potassium imbalance is not associated with disturbances in vitamin D metabolism, but when both are present, they can compromise effective circulation of blood. According to the book “Health Issues in the Black Community,” the high frequency of vitamin D deficiency coupled with low potassium may explain the high prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in the black population. Hypokalemia Hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, is defined as a blood potassium level below 3....

Use a foam roller to help get those knots in your back. Image Credit: alvarez/E+/GettyImages Muscle knots in your back can make everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, painful and difficult. While annoying, muscle knots — also called spasms or trigger points — can often be successfully treated with home remedies, trigger point release, stretching, strengthening and using good body mechanics. Advertisement Read more: Symptoms of Knotted Muscle at the Shoulder Blade Video of the Day Muscle Knot Symptoms and Treatment Muscle knot symptoms include tightness, stiffness and a palpable “lump” when you press on your back muscle....

Psyllium husk is a high-fiber laxative you can take to add bulk to your stool. When you take psyllium husk powder – also simply referred to as psyllium – the components attract water to your stool, making it easier to pass, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Although psyllium husk can help to promote bowel regularity, taking psyllium is not typically recommended for those with kidney disease. This is because psyllium can be high in nutrients such as magnesium that should be avoided with chronic kidney disease....